A weekly lab report confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes in the South Chapman Highway area. Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocol, the affected area will be sprayed to reduce the mosquito population and the risk of WNV spread. Signs will be posted in the affected areas to alert residents, who are asked to stay inside during spraying and to keep pets inside or in the backyard. This is the first 2013 positive WNV report in mosquitoes for Knox County.

"To date, Knox County has had no confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in humans," said KCHD Environmental Health Director Ronnie Nease. "By spraying to reduce the population of mosquitoes, we hope to reduce the potential of mosquito-to-human transmission."

KCHD advises all residents to:

Wear appropriate clothing and repellant when outside and mosquitoes are present

Disposes of, regularly empty or turn over any containers holding water on your property

Make sure roof gutters drain properly and water doesn't pool in them

Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week

Use a mosquito repellant that contains DEET (the chemical N-N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) and follow the directions on the label. Pregnant women and those who are concerned about using repellent products on children should consult their health care provider for advice.

To address the public health concerns caused by mosquitoes, KCHD conducts a mosquito control program during the summer months. As the weather warms each spring, public health professionals begin a weekly process of trapping and testing mosquitoes for WNV, a mosquito-borne disease which can infect humans, horses and birds. From March until the first frost, KCHD also uses larvicides in areas with standing water to prevent mosquito proliferation. More information on the mosquito control program and prevention tips are available by calling 865-215-5200 or visiting www.knoxcounty.org/health/vector_mosquito_control.php.